Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to tell the story of my constituent, Jennifer Kepner and to call for immediate action on the most pressing public health issue facing our veterans: toxic military burn pits.

Four years ago, I met a veteran named Jennifer Kepner at her home in Cathedral City, California, in my district. Jennifer, a 39-year-old mother of two, was one of the most inspiring and brave people I have ever met, and that kitchen table conversation was one of the most impactful conversations in my life.

When I met her, she was cachectic. You could see her bones. She was wasting away. She was battling pancreatic cancer and was on chemotherapy. You could see the port in her chest and you could see the loss of hair. And she was still so very full of energy inside to tell her story and sound the alarm.

Her doctor linked her exposure to burn pits during her service overseas. You see, she was described as a health nut, as someone thin, healthy, who liked to run, and jog. Her friends would say: She was one of those crazy people who would wake up at 4 in the morning and go on a 5-mile run routinely.

So when she came down with pancreatic cancer at such a young age, her physicians looked at her DNA, her family history, and they concluded that the most likely cause, given her low risk, was her exposure to toxic military burn pit smoke.

I sat with her in her home as she told me her story. She told me about her military service as an Air Force medic caring for our men and women in uniform who were injured or sick. You see, she was stationed at Balad Air Base in Iraq. She told me about her husband and their two children, Adia and Wyatt, who she loved so very dearly.

She told me about burn pits, these huge fields where the military burns trash--anything and everything--including batteries, jet fuel, medical waste, plastics, and other hazardous material causing servicemembers to inhale toxic chemicals, carcinogens, and particulate matter.

They call it the crud, you see, because after a long day in the desert serving our country, they go to their camp wanting a little rest, and they smell this black toxic chemical smoke and they get the soot on their face, in their nostrils, in their throat. They have itchy eyes, a runny nose, a sore throat. They cough, and that is just another day at a base serving our country.

Jennifer spent her last month as a leading voice for her fellow veterans exposed to burn pits which she called ``the Agent Orange of our generation.''

Wow. ``The Agent Orange of our generation.'' We all are infuriated with the way that our Vietnam veterans were denied and their care was delayed and their recognition had been postponed when they were saying, ``We are sick.'' Their children are born malformed. They are infertile. They have other issues and syndromes and symptoms that are life- threatening and debilitating.

She is saying that this is the Agent Orange of our generation, and she knew that she was going to die. She knew that her days were limited. She knew that pancreatic cancer is the most aggressive cancer that causes death within months after diagnosis.

She didn't give up. She didn't give up, despite the VA denying her the recognition that it was the burn pits that caused her pancreatic cancer. She didn't give up. Despite the VA denying her the benefits that she needed for her family, she didn't give up. Her dying wish was to ensure two things: one, was that other veterans didn't have to struggle through a system that denied and delayed and did not recognize her illness so that she said: Let's help other veterans.

The second was: Please help my husband, Ben, get the benefits to care for my children. In her last dying days she was thinking of others with that heart of a servant and the fierce determination of a warrior.

I remember getting the call when I was in my district office that she was dying, and she would potentially die within a few hours.

I fell to my knees and I cried. I composed myself and I thought, as a physician, there are only certain things that I can do in the art and science of medicine, but I know that there is a greater healer; that there is a greater power, and perhaps this is what I can bring to serve the family at this moment. So I invited my pastor, Gerald Sharon, to come with me so that we could pray with her on her deathbed.

There she was, taking her last breaths. Her mother was there crying. Her husband was trying to keep it together. Her children were at her side. The youngest one was too young to understand what was happening. The older one, the daughter, was a little more aware, but she was trying to keep it together.

We did our prayer, and she died on October 18, 2017. Since then, it has been my mission to make her vision a reality.

Her story drove me to found the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Burn Pits Caucus with my friend and colleague Congressman Brad Wenstrup from Ohio.

Her story inspired me to work with brilliant minds across the aisle like my friend who is sitting here, Representative Gus Bilirakis, to introduce legislation in a bipartisan manner.

And her strength inspired me to coauthor my bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act, to get veterans the benefits and care they have earned and need and deserve.

Her vision is reflected in the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or the Honoring Our PACT Act, which includes my legislation to keep our Nation's promise to our veterans to take care of them after they serve our Nation.

Her stories and the countless stories of other veterans that you will hear today by Republicans and Democrats are speaking to us beyond the grave to act now with urgency for their fellow veterans and for their families. Under the leadership of our great chairman of the VA Committee, Chair Mark Takano, we will get this done.

We cannot sit by while the veterans Jennifer served with are denied the healthcare and benefits they have earned and deserve. No one who has served and sacrificed for our Nation should have to face the trials that she endured to get the medical care that she needed, or their widows the benefits to support their families with a life of dignity.

In 1 week, we will celebrate Veterans Day and show our appreciation for all of those who served our Nation in our Armed Forces. Some will wear red, white, and blue attire. Some will even go as far as to make public displays of hugging a flag, and some will always say the same old thing: Thank you to our veterans. Thank you to our veterans for your service.

I have said consistently that our veterans appreciate the thanks but they really need pragmatic support.

On Memorial Day, the way we memorialize and honor the dead is by serving the living and improving their lives.

They might have survived the battlefield, but they are dying from their exposures of a self-inflicted Department of Defense wound to our men and women in uniform by using these burn pits that, by the way, are illegal and banned in the United States precisely for their public health hazards.

We need pragmatic support, not lip service or empty gestures in our appreciation and celebration on Veterans Day. We must act now and get our veterans the healthcare and benefits they have earned when we sent them to war for our country.

Servicemembers are returning home from the battlefield right now only to become delayed casualties of war, dying years later from constrictive bronchiolitis, pulmonary fibrosis, brain cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancers, and autoimmune diseases caused by their exposure to the toxic, hundreds of chemicals from burned plastics, jet fuels, and hazardous materials that they inhaled while serving our Nation.

The DOD and the VA cannot continue to neglect this self-inflicted wound on our veterans. So in Jennifer's name and the countless names of the veterans who have suffered and some succumbed to their illnesses due to their exposures to burn pits, we all will continue fighting tooth and nail to protect our servicemembers and our veterans from toxic burn pits.

She would never turn her back on a fellow veteran, and as a nation, neither can we.

I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano), my friend, my neighbor, and the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, a true champion for our veterans and the sponsor of Honoring our PACT Act.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro), my friend, who is a member of the Congressional Burn Pits Caucus.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), my friend and colleague, a member of the Congressional Burn Pits Caucus, and a fierce advocate for our veterans.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), who I am proud to have join me as a cosponsor of the Honoring our PACT Act and a member of the bipartisan Congressional Burn Pits Caucus.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup), the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Burn Pits Caucus.

Madam Speaker, how much time do I have remaining? Do I have 1 minute remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1511, the Protecting America's First Responders Act. This bill will go a long way in supporting the families of fallen officers and improving the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program.

Improving the PSOB program has been a longstanding priority of mine. In fact, today's legislation includes a provision from my bill, the Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega First Responders Survivors Support Act, which fixes the benefit determination date so that families don't lose out on thousands of dollars because of bureaucratic delays.

In addition to passing today's legislation, we must also increase the PSOB death and disability benefit to get our law enforcement families the benefits they have earned and deserve.

I look forward to working with Chairman Nadler to build on today's success and passing my bill, the First Responders Survivors Support Act, to raise the PSOB benefit this Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the families of our Nation's law enforcement officers and vote ``yes'' on the Protecting America's First Responders Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez and to urge the Senate to pass H.R. 5142 to give our Nation's servicemembers who perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, the recognition they deserve.

H.R. 5142 would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal, our Nation's highest honor, to the 13 heroes in uniform we lost that day, including my constituent, Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez from Indio.

Corporal Lopez gave his life to save the lives of others. In fact, just moments before the explosion went off, he had pulled two little girls out of the fleeing crowd, preventing them from being crushed and saving their lives. Because of him, two children now have a future and the promise of a new life, many thousands reached safety, and many others have a reason to hope.

And because of his efforts and the work of his fellow servicemembers, over 120,000 of our fellow Americans and allies were able to evacuate, and our Armed Forces completed the largest airlift in human history.

Madam Speaker, we must honor their sacrifice to our Nation. We must award them the Congressional Gold Medal.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes, who retired after nearly 30 years of service to our communities.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Chief Reyes began his career in law enforcement as a reserve police officer for the Compton Police Department in 1991.

After transferring to the Palm Springs Police Department in 1993, he rose through the ranks, serving as an officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before ultimately becoming police chief.

Chief Reyes has had a lasting impact on the Palm Springs community and has led the department through difficult times.

On October 8, 2016, during the first year of his tenure as chief of police, Palm Springs Police Officers Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega were tragically killed in the line of duty.

Chief Reyes recognized the devastating impact this would have on the department, community, and the officers' families. In this difficult time, he prioritized the mental health needs of those affected, and his guidance brought us all closer together.

I am honored to have collaborated with Chief Reyes in authoring legislation to commemorate the tremendous sacrifice made by Officers Zerebny and Vega that day. Named in their honor and inspired by our local police officers at the Palm Springs Police Department, the Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega First Responders Survivors Support Act would get families of our fallen heroes the support they need and ensure they have every opportunity to succeed in life.

During his more than 6 years of leadership, Chief Reyes strengthened the department's community policing in neighborhoods and expanded engagement with residents and community organizations.

Further, he has received numerous accolades for his incredible leadership, including lifesaving medals, the officer of the year award, and the community heroes award.

Chief Reyes' 28 years of tireless and dedicated work for the Palm Springs community is a testament to his outstanding leadership, character, and commitment to the well-being of Palm Springs residents.

I have no doubt that changes brought about under his leadership will continue to improve the lives of Palm Springs police officers and the entire Palm Springs community.

On behalf of the great people of California's 36th Congressional District, thank you, Chief Bryan Reyes, for all you have done for our community. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, my constituent, who was killed in action on August 26, 2021, while serving our Nation in Afghanistan.

Today, I humbly rise to honor his memory in the hope that Americans across the country and future generations will come to know his story.

Corporal Lopez was a selfless young man with an infectious smile who truly lived his life with a larger purpose in mind. That purpose was serving our country and contributing to something greater than himself.

He was born in Palm Springs, California, on January 15, 1999. Growing up in Indio, he possessed a passion for service from a young age. His parents, Herman and Alicia, both public servants with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, instilled in him the courage, kindness, and resolve that led him to join the Marine Corps.

Corporal Lopez was a history buff, an ambitious student, and an avid Star Wars fan with an affinity for quizzing his friends and family on the movie series' trivia.

He was also incredibly thoughtful. He was the kind of person who would take the time, while serving overseas, to write letters to his grandparents in their native Spanish, despite not being fluent himself, just because he knew they would appreciate it.

Corporal Lopez always strived for excellence, and his determination to succeed motivated his friends and those around him to reach their full potential.

After graduating from La Quinta High School and achieving the rank of captain as an Explorer Scout with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Corporal Lopez joined the Marine Corps, where he served for 4 years.

His first 3 years were with the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company A, 5th Platoon, before he joined the 2nd Battalion 1st Marine Division, Golf Company, 1st Platoon, 3rd Squad.

It was with the 2nd Battalion that Corporal Lopez served in Operation Allies Refuge, contributing to the largest airlift in history and aiding the evacuation of over 120,000 of our fellow Americans, allies, and Afghan partners, a truly heroic and historic effort.

On August 26, 2021, Corporal Lopez was stationed at the airport in Kabul. That day, under the blazing sun, Corporal Lopez and his fellow marines worked tirelessly to evacuate the thousands of women, children, and families who came to the airport desperately seeking safety, protection, and refuge.

Striving to bring calm to a panicked crowd, Corporal Lopez put the safety of others above his own. As the crowd grew more intense, Corporal Lopez and his fellow marine, Sergeant David Traylor, spotted two young girls, trapped under the weight of a fleeing crowd, about to be crushed.

The two marines successfully pulled the children to safety, saving their lives. They gave each other a fist bump, a very small celebration for an incredible task that they had just achieved. And then the explosion happened.

That day, Corporal Lopez gave his life to save the lives of others. I can't think of anything--anything--more noble than that.

Corporal Lopez saved two lives at the Kabul airport, and because of him, two children now have a future and the promise of a new life, many others reached safety, and many others have a reason to hope.

We lost Corporal Lopez and 12 other servicemembers on August 26. Each and every day since then, the Lopez family and the families of all our Nation's fallen heroes continue to feel their loss. They feel the loss of a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, and they feel the loss of a hero who died serving a purpose larger than themselves.

To the Lopez family, parents, Herman and Alicia; sister, Trinity; and brother, Owen: You are in our constant prayers, and our entire Nation grieves your loss, stands with you, and supports you.

We will continue to tell the story of Hunter's remarkable service, compassion, strength, and valor so that his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the career of Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes who has retired after nearly 30 years of service to our community.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Chief Reyes began his career in law enforcement as a reserve police officer for the Compton Police Department in 1991. After transferring to the Palm Springs Police Department in 1993, he rose through the ranks--serving as an officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before ultimately police chief.

Chief Reyes led the Palm Springs Police Department through difficult times. On October 8, 2016, during the first year of his tenure as Chief of Police, Palm Springs police officers Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega were tragically killed in the line of duty. Chief Reyes recognized the devastating impact this would have on the department, community, and the officers' families. He prioritized the mental health needs of those affected and his guidance brought us all closer together in this time of mourning.

I am honored to have collaborated with Chief Reyes in authoring legislation to commemorate the tremendous sacrifice made by

officers Zerebny and Vega that day. Named in their honor and inspired by our local police officers at the Palm Springs Police Department, the Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega First Responders Survivors Support Act would get families of our fallen heroes the support they need to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed in life.

During his more than six years of leadership, Chief Reyes strengthened the department's community policing in neighborhoods, expanded outreach and engagement with residents and businesses through Town Hall meetings, implemented new technology and social media platforms, and fostered trust and credibility through regular meetings with neighborhoods and community organizations. Under his guidance, the Palm Springs Police Department developed important partnerships with the Palm Springs Unified School District, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Palm Springs, Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, Mizell Senior Center, Well in the Desert, Desert Regional Medical Center, and many more local organizations. Further, Chief Reyes has received numerous accolades for his incredible leadership, including Life Saving Medals, the Officer of the Year award, and the Community Hero's Award.

Chief Reyes' 28 years of tireless and dedicated work for the Palm Springs community is a testament to his outstanding leadership, character, and commitment to the well-being of Palm Springs residents.

Chief Reyes will be missed, and the changes brought about under his leadership will continue to improve the lives of Palm Springs police officers and the entire Palm Springs community.

On behalf of the great people of California's 36th Congressional District I want to thank Chief Bryan Reyes for all he has done for our community. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Rose Salgado, who passed away on May 14, 2021.

Rose Salgado led a remarkable life not only as a mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother, but also as a passionate leader and champion for the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. Her steadfast commitment to the betterment of her Tribal community was undoubtedly an inspiration to those around her. There is no doubt in my mind that her outstanding impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Growing up, Rose Salgado took an early interest in her rich Native American heritage. Her parents instilled in her the value of a strong work ethic that she demonstrated throughout her extraordinary career in public service.

After completing her education at University of California, Riverside, Salgado began her 27-year career with Southern California Edison. Following her retirement, Rose became deeply involved as a leader in her Tribe and served on several boards. During her 28 years on the Soboba Tribal Council, she ascended to Vice Chairwoman and spearheaded several efforts to improve the economic wellbeing and access to opportunity for the members of her Tribe.

As a prominent leader and inspiration, she was twice recognized as Woman of the Year by the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of

Commerce. Salgado was also awarded ``Distinguished Woman'' in the Inland Empire Magazine and ``Woman of Distinction'' by State Senator Mike Morrell. In addition, she was honored with the ``Distinguished Citizen Award'' by the 3 Peaks District Boy Scouts of America and the ``Outstanding Community Member of the Year'' award by the Mt. San Jacinto Community College Foundation. Rose Salgado was truly an invaluable member of the community and will continue to be a role model for the young men and women who aspire to selflessly lead and abundantly serve others.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize and honor the life of Rose Salgado. Her remarkable advocacy for the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians and commitment to the community at large is an example of excellence, dedication, and service that all should seek to emulate.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Leopoldo Trevino-Guerra, who passed away on March 25, 2021. As a champion of farmworkers and the Latino community, Leopoldo devoted his life to giving voice to the voiceless and fighting for what is right. His story is an inspiration to us all, and his impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.

Leopoldo's advocacy first began when his family settled in the Coachella Valley in the 1970s. There, he became a member of the United Farm Workers (UFW) and helped negotiate the first collective employment contract with the lemon agribusiness. As the chief representative of UFW in this landmark negotiation, Leopoldo was instrumental in securing workers' rights, including eight-hour workdays, rest periods, and higher wages.

His tireless will and unmatched strength have made the Coachella Valley a better place for everyone who lives there. As a principal founder of the Housing Rent Control Movement, he secured better conditions for farmworker housing--improving the quality of life for hundreds of families in our communities.

Leopoldo was a true trailblazer. In 1988, he co-founded the first entirely Spanish-language newspaper in the Coachella Valley, El Informador del Valle. To this day, El Informador del Valle delivers news to the Latino community in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys. Leopoldo's unrelenting pursuit of justice led him to establish his second Spanish-language newspaper seven years later. El Independiente actively covered social justice work in the Latino community until 2008. With his excellent leadership and vision at both newspapers, Leopoldo successfully uplifted Latino voices throughout the region.

Leopoldo faced numerous hardships in his life, but he overcame the obstacles that stood in his way to create a better future for his family. His 19 children, 44 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren are a testament to his outstanding legacy. Leopoldo's story is an example of the excellence, dedication, and service to our Nation that all should seek to emulate.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage cosponsorship of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus-led Tri-Caucus COVID-19 Vaccination Equity resolution.

Hispanic, Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Native American communities continue to bear the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not only are communities of color suffering disproportionately from COVID-19 complications, but they are receiving vaccines at a lower rate than their White counterparts. These inequities are not new. They highlight longstanding health, economic, and social disparities.

As chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I worked with my Tri- Caucus colleagues to introduce this resolution, promoting equity in COVID-19 vaccinations. The resolution calls for solutions like prioritizing vaccines to communities with the highest rates of infections and deaths, working

with trusted community partners, and implementing culturally, linguistically appropriate strategies.

During National Minority Health Month we must promote vaccine equity to the benefit of all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor my constituent, Mrs. Cora Crawford and celebrate her incredible life and legacy.

Mrs. Crawford moved to Palm Springs in the 1950s from Carthage, Texas, where she began her lifelong work as a community advocate. She attended the College of the Desert where she obtained her teaching credentials and a masters in education. As a substitute teacher in the City of Palm Springs, Mrs. Crawford was a devoted educator who put her heart and soul into every class she taught.

Mrs. Crawford carried her passion for education and community development with her outside of the classroom. She served as the local director for the Child Development Center and worked hard to secure the resources local students needed to succeed. In fact, she was a key advocate in obtaining $350,000 in federal dollars from the Community Development Block Grant to benefit Desert Highland Park. Thanks to her efforts, Desert Highland Park now offers essential community services for local students and their families, including recreational, educational, and vocational programs.

The legacy of Mrs. Crawford's work is incredible. In the 1980s, she helped organize the very first Black History Month Parade in Palm Springs--a parade our community continues to proudly host each year. In all her years of volunteering and service, her tremendous work did not go unnoticed. The Palm Springs City Council and the California Baptist Convention Women's Auxiliary awarded her numerous conunendations. In 1997, she was honored with the Terra Volunteer Award from the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, she was recognized yet again for her commitment as a community leader and educator when Riverside County awarded her the Community Service Award.

Mrs. Crawford is survived by her children, Benita, Gil, Gwendolyn, and Randy. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Symeyon, Kenneth, Jarvis, Kristen, Usavia, Nyssa, Kyle, Deiter, and Javanni. I extend my deepest condolence to each of them. I also want to share my special condolences and support for my friend and her grandson, Jarvis. He, like his grandmother, continues to advocate for his community through social justice initiatives and uphold her legacy of making sure those who are in need, can find solace in community.

May Mrs. Crawford's work continue to uplift and inspire.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of my constituent, Faustino ``Tino'' Armenta. A United States Marines veteran who served his country honorably, Tino was a remarkable member of our community who shared a passion for public service, education, and his vintage 1953 Bel Air.

From a young age, Tino demonstrated his courage and love of country when he earned his Eagle Scout badge in high school. Upon his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served our country as a chemical, atomic, and biological warfare Non-Commissioned Officer Instructor.

Tino was a lifelong learner who believed in the power of education. After discharge from the Marines, he obtained his MBA and Ph.D. in international business and traveled across the country as he pursued a thriving business career. Over the course of his career, Tino inspired countless others. In his uplifting biography, ``Los Hijos de Orozco,'' he traced his families' history and their pursuit of the American Dream.

After his retirement, Tino spread his love of learning to others through his community involvement. He volunteered with various organizations that provide educational resources to low-income children in the community. He even traveled to Peru to teach children in the countryside how to read and write in English. His passion for education now lives on in his children, Juan and Cris, who both obtained their doctorates and practice law in Rancho Mirage and San Diego.

For many years, Tino remained engaged in his community by lending a hand and mentoring young people. He was always willing to help those in need--even if it meant donning a Santa Claus or elf costume to pass out presents to local children.

Tino was not only a dear member of the community but also a dear person to me. I mourn his loss with his loved ones, his wife Nora, children Juan and Cris, and all his wonderful grandchildren and great- grandchildren--who will no doubt--carry on his legacy for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of my constituent, Alfredo Sandoval.

Alfredo--or the ``Chief'' as his kids lovingly nicknamed him--was a decorated combat veteran, a loving father, and a mentor to many.

When Alfredo enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954, he began a career that took him across the country and around the world. With his wife, Elena, by his side, Alfredo traveled from Brawley, California to Savannah, Georgia to Tokyo to Naples and countless other cities in service to our country.

After returning home to the United States in 1968, he was called on to serve in Vietnam. There, he earned a Bronze Star for his valor in the field. As a member of the First Mobile Communications Group, he received a Presidential Unit Citation, 23 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, and a Navy Meritorious Unit Citation.

Alfredo broke down barriers in the Air Force. When he retired in 1984, he had achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Alfredo truly paved the way for future generations of Hispanic men and women who followed in his footsteps to become Air Force Officers. Our nation owes him a tremendous debt.

Even in retirement, Alfredo continued to uplift and inspire. His family saw him as a man who led by example and helped them find their way in this world. In the words of his granddaughter, ``Every time I spoke to him, he would call me his number one. Even when I felt lost . . . he told me to have confidence in who I was and where I was going.'' As Alfredo joins his beloved Elena in Heaven, his spirit will continue to guide his children and grandchildren through life.

Alfredo is survived by his children, Alfredo A. Sandoval and Ruben E. Sandoval. His story of service and love of country is recorded in the United States Air Force and Air Force Association's archives, and now, his life story is recorded in our nation's history. Today, we close his chapter in our history just as his son, Alfredo, would say, ``Fly safe, Chief.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight a critical portion of the American Rescue Plan that will help native communities across our country mitigate and recover from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

I am proud to have helped lead the fight to secure the $20 billion Coronavirus Recovery Fund for Tribal Governments. It is essential that this fund is implemented swiftly and equitably by the Treasury Department as intended by Congress and following meaningful Tribal consultation.

Nearly a year ago, Tribal governments across the country, recognizing the imminent public health threat, voluntarily closed their business and government operations to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Many Tribal businesses in California's 36th District and throughout the State remained closed for months. It was this sacrifice, and the sacrifice that millions of Americans made to shelter in place and minimize social gatherings, that prevented this pandemic from claiming hundreds of thousands more lives.

For Tribal governments, the implications of the economic shutdown are hard to understate. In addition to supporting the workers they employ and meeting basic commercial obligations, Tribal governments rely on the revenue generated by their businesses to provide health care, education, emergency services, housing, security, sanitation, and more for their members. Tribal governments, unlike state and county governments, do not have a tax base to raise revenue. Shutting down their businesses meant losing the revenue that supports essential government services.

That is why the Coronavirus Recovery Fund for Tribal governments in the American Rescue Plan is so important. It is also important to address several issues and lessons learned from the distribution of these funds following the passage of the CARES Act.

First, Treasury should allow Tribal governments to certify their population counts. In the CARES Act allocation, some Tribes were improperly listed as having zero population, while many more were severely undercounted based on their historical participation in Indian housing programs. This flawed policy resulted in some Tribes losing out on significant funding and it must be fixed in the implementation of the American Rescue Plan.

Second, it is critical that Tribal governments be given maximum flexibility in determining how they use funding provided to them from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund. Whether it is replacing lost revenue, making necessary capital investments, or providing health coverage to members, it should be up to the Tribal governments to evaluate and determine the best use of this funding. This flexibility should also recognize the unique nature and function of Tribal governments as opposed to state or municipal governments.

Lastly, I encourage Treasury to adopt a more equitable formula that better takes into account the disparate economic impacts that COVlD-19 related shutdowns have had on Tribal governments and employees. In the implementation of the CARES Act many in my district were still left facing severe budget cuts. A formula that includes a proper weight towards economic factors would help address this issue, while also providing aid to those Tribes who were more economically injured by the pandemic.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of my constituent, Robert ``Bobby'' Bianco--a remarkable community member and innovative grower who made history in the Coachella Valley.

Mr. Bianco arrived in our Valley in 1965. He co-owned and operated Anthony Vineyards with his brother and drove economic growth and employed thousands of Valley residents over the past 50 years.

Mr. Bianco was a leader in the grape industry and was nationally known and recognized for his innovation. In fact, he was the first in the nation to commercially grow the red flame seedless grape in 1975, which rapidly grew to become one of the most popular table grapes produced in the world. This historic achievement drew people from near and far to visit our Valley and learn from his techniques.

Mr. Bianco's impact on the community extended beyond his ingenuity in the field. Along with his beloved wife, Harlene, he was involved in local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother Little Sisters of the Desert, and Desert Arc. Mr. Bianco also was involved in the formation of the Palm Valley School and the expansion of churches in our Valley, such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Francis Parish, Our Lady of Solidad, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Sacred Heart.

A friend and colleague of my father's, I knew Mr. Bianco to be a kind and hardworking man who strived to instill positive change in our communities. He was a local leader, nationally renowned grape grower, philanthropist, and lover of golf whose impact on our community will be felt for years to come.

Mr. Bianco is survived by his son, Anthony Bianco, and daughter, Francesca Gist, and his six grandchildren.

Today, we celebrate his life and record his story in our nation's history.

Madam Speaker, I, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus rise in support of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, which will make an incredible positive difference for our Nation.

It is precisely now, during a pandemic, when we need this legislation. Dreamers are doctors, nurses, lab technicians, contact tracers, and job creators. Dreamers are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. They strengthen our economy and they make invaluable contributions to America.

Madam Speaker, the American Dream and Promise Act will provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients. We must pass this bill today.

Madam Speaker, I thank the Congressional Hispanic Caucus members, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, as well as Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, for their remarkable efforts on this piece of legislation.